Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Angry Ronaldo throws reporter’s microphone in lake [Photos, Video]

Cristiano Ronaldo threw a reporter’s microphone in a lake on Wednesday after objecting to being approached hours before Portugal’s crunch Euro 2016 match against Hungary.

Ronaldo, 31, has endured a frustrating time in France, hitting the post with his second-half penalty attempt in Saturday’s goal-less draw with Austria.

He also drew criticism after slamming Iceland for their “small mentality” after the minnows held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening match.

But the Real Madrid superstar was in no mood to talk when a reporter from the TV station of Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha approached him during a morning team walk at a lake in Lyon, just hours before kick-off.

Video of the incident shows the reporter asking: “Ronaldo, ready for the game today?”

But without a word or glance at the journalist, Ronaldo took his microphone and threw it in the lake, then carried on with the team stroll.

There is a history of bad blood between Ronaldo and Correio da Manha, who he successfully sued after the Portuguese newspaper printed details of his private life.

The Portugal captain appears to be feeling the pressure with his team needing at least a point at the Stade de Lyon to reach the last 16 in their final Group F match.

Having become Portugal’s record caps holder last Saturday against Austria, when he made his 128th appearance, Ronaldo is set to make more history.

If he scores, he will become the first player to do so at four consecutive Euro tournaments.

He will also become the player to have played the most matches at a European Championship finals with 17 appearances.